Save to Pinterest A festive, elegantly wrapped brie cheese, baked in golden puff pastry shaped like a pine tree, filled with cranberry sauce and toasted pecans—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe has become a holiday staple in my family, impressing guests every time with its beautiful shape and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 1 whole wheel of brie cheese (approx. 8 oz / 225 g)
- Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Filling: 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce (whole berry or jam), 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional), 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife, cut out a large triangle (pine tree shape) big enough to completely cover the brie wheel, and set aside the scraps.
- Step 3:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Step 4:
- Fold the pastry over the brie, shaping it into a pine tree. Use the pastry scraps to cut out small triangles or strips to create branches and decorate the tree as desired.
- Step 5:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 7:
- Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving.
- Step 8:
- Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
Save to Pinterest This dish brings our family together every holiday season as we gather around and share stories while enjoying this warm appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread to complement the rich flavors of the brie and cranberry filling.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the pastry crispness.
Variations
Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or substituting the pecans with walnuts for a unique twist.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this elegant appetizer that is sure to impress your guests and bring festive cheer to your table.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of cheese is best for this dish?
A whole wheel of soft brie cheese is ideal for melting perfectly within the puff pastry wrapping.
- → Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives to toasted pecans, depending on preference or allergies.
- → What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
Fig or apricot preserves work well as a sweet and tangy alternative within the pastry filling.
- → How do I shape the puff pastry like a pine tree?
Cut a large triangle from the pastry for the main shape, then use scraps to create branch details for decoration.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread to complement the creamy and flavorful filling.
- → Can this dish be made nut-free?
Omit the toasted pecans to make it safe for nut-sensitive guests without compromising taste.